It idles very low and ends up stalling?

Tiny
EDWIN44
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 LEXUS ES 300
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 201,000 MILES
When I try to turn it on it barely wants to turn on and it idles very low and ends up stalling why is that?
Wednesday, March 5th, 2014 AT 10:05 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you could have an issue with the idle air control valve or the mass air flow sensor.
Overtime the idle air control valve (IAC) will get dirty as larger air particles will stick to the inside of the valve. That will restrict the airflow and will cease the engine to have low or rough idle.
Servicing the IAC by cleaning it out can help improve the idle quality.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-idle-air-control-valve-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

The mass air flow sensor can become clogged and will trigger rough idle or make it difficult to the engine to run.
This too can be cleaned to improve the drivability.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-mass-air-flow-sensor-works-maf
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, September 11th, 2021 AT 9:49 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links